The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 157

Olivia

Friday afternoon found us speeding along the Pacific Coast Highway, windows down and music playing. Alexander looked relaxed behind the wheel, one hand resting casually on the steering wheel, the other occasionally reaching over to squeeze my knee.

“So, are you going to tell me more about this Malibu house?” I asked, watching the ocean glitter alongside the highway.

“And ruin the surprise? Not a chance.” He grinned, sunglasses hiding his eyes. “Just trust me.”

“The last time you said ‘trust me,‘ I ended up zip–lining across a canyon in the island.”

“And wasn’t it exhilarating?”

“Terrifying is the word I’d use.”

Alexander’s phone buzzed with an incoming call. He glanced at the display before silencing it. “Work can wait until Monday.”

“Look at you, ignoring calls. Who are you and what have you done with my workaholic husband?”

“I’m evolving,” he said with mock seriousness. “Becoming a more balanced individual.”

“Uh–huh.” I wasn’t convinced. “Let’s see how long that lasts.”

“At least until Monday morning,” he promised. “This weekend is just for us.”

The Malibu house, as Alexander had modestly called it, turned out to be a stunning oceanfront villa perched on the cliffs above a private beach. Modern architecture blended seamlessly with the natural landscape, floor- to–ceiling windows capturing breathtaking views of the Pacific.

“This is incredible,” I breathed as we stepped into the expansive living room. The space opened onto an infinity pool that seemed to merge with the ocean beyond.

“Glad you approve,” Alexander said, looking pleased with himself. “Wait until you see the master suite.”

bedroom featured a king–sized bed facing the ocean, with a private terrace and an outdoor shower concealed by natural rock formations. The bathroom boasted a deep soaking tub positioned to catch

said, running my hand along the

Alexander replied, wrapping

asked, leaning back against his

the pool, have dinner on the terrace, maybe take a moonlight swim…” His hands slid up to cup

to face him. “But I think I’d like to

momentarily disappointed but quickly recovered. “Your wish

swimwear and made our way down the private staircase to the beach below. The

place?” I asked, digging

the weekend,” Alexander said, watching a seagull soar

calls,” I repeated with

with a grin that was simultaneously infuriating and

edge, feeling the cool spray against my legs. “Race

Alexander caught up quickly, his longer stride eating up the

gasped through my laughter as he spun

ten–second head start,” he countered, setting me down but keeping

our ankles. Alexander’s eyes were bright with something I couldn’t quite

suddenly self–conscious

how beautiful

started gentle but quickly deepened, his hands sliding down to cup my bottom

he murmured against my lips. “Before I’m tempted to take you right here on

would be scandalous,” I agreed, stepping back reluctantly. “Sand gets

taking my hand

“Hardly. Just common sense.”

alternating between swimming in the infinity pool and lounging on

a fresh towel as I emerged from the

wrapping the

Dinner should

Did you order